Early Dementia Warning Sign

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Early Dementia Warning Signs: My Dad's Story and What I Learned

Hey everyone, let's talk about something kinda heavy, but super important: early warning signs of dementia. It's not a fun topic, I know. But trust me, early detection can make a HUGE difference. I'm sharing my experience because, well, I messed up a bit. And I don't want anyone else to go through what we did.

My dad, bless his heart, started showing signs a few years back. At first, it was subtle. He'd forget things, you know, like where he put his keys or what he had for breakfast. Small stuff, I thought. We all get a little forgetful sometimes, right? Wrong.

<h3>The Sneaky Creep of Forgetfulness</h3>

The problem is, it wasn't just small stuff. It was a pattern. He'd repeat himself constantly, sometimes within the same conversation. He'd get really lost on familiar roads, even streets he'd driven for decades. And I brushed it off as stress, age, you know, the usual excuses.

Big mistake.

I remember one specific incident that really sticks with me. We were at a family dinner—a big, loud, chaotic thing. He completely forgot my sister's name. My sister, who he'd raised, who he'd seen every single day of her life. That's when the penny dropped. This wasn't just "getting older."

<h3>Recognizing the Red Flags: Key Early Warning Signs</h3>

Looking back, there were other signs I should have recognized sooner. Things like:

• Memory loss that affects daily life: Forgetting appointments, misplacing things regularly, repeating questions. Not just the occasional lapse.
• Challenges with planning or solving problems: Struggling with simple tasks or decisions, like balancing a checkbook or following a recipe.
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Things like driving, cooking, or using the phone became struggles.
• Confusion with time or place: Getting lost in familiar areas, or being confused about the day, date, or season.
• Problems with abstract thinking: Struggling to understand jokes, metaphors, or complex ideas.
• Changes in mood or personality: Becoming more withdrawn, anxious, irritable, or depressed.
• Misplacing things and accusing others of stealing: This was a big one with my Dad! He'd accuse us of taking his things.
• A decreased ability to engage in social conversations: This can look like having trouble following a conversation or seeming less interested in socializing.
• Difficulty finding words or following conversations: Word-finding problems are common. This is sometimes called aphasia.
• Poor judgment: Making decisions that are not in their best interests.

These aren't always signs of dementia, of course. But if you notice several of these, especially if they're getting worse over time, you really need to see a doctor.

<h3>What to Do If You Suspect Dementia</h3>

Don't delay. Seriously. Early diagnosis is key. A doctor can run tests, rule out other conditions, and help you create a plan to manage the disease and its progression. We were lucky, my Dad got a diagnosis relatively early. It still sucked, but knowing what we were dealing with gave us time to adjust. We were able to create a supportive environment and get him into treatment.

Getting a diagnosis early doesn't mean a cure, Sadly, there isn't one yet for most types of dementia. But it does buy you time. Time to prepare. Time to make memories. Time to learn coping strategies. Time to get the support you need.

This whole experience taught me a valuable lesson: don't ignore subtle changes. If something feels off, get it checked out. Trust your gut. It might just save a life—and a whole lot of heartache. Don’t wait until things are significantly worse to seek help. Prevention is key. Early detection can change everything. It really can.

Remember: I'm not a doctor. This is just my story and what I learned. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.